Monday, August 8, 2016

I purchased a Polaroid Impulse AF a few weeks ago at a local Goodwill Outlet. I go there a couple of times a month and just dig through the blue bins to see if anyone has donated old film cameras. Occasionally I'll find something. If I do, then it's normally just old film point and shoots. On a good day I'll find a Polaroid like this Impulse.

The Impulse is cool because it has an autofocus function. I used the Impulse AF during my last 2 model shoots. I used a pack of The Impossible Project 600 Color during the 2 shoots. The quality is OK for an old Polaroid. On both shoots the lighting in the studio was somewhat poor / low so the images were a bit dark. Not 100% sure the flash fired, but I'm guessing it did. I just need to learn how to balance the lighting in the studio with the light slider under the lens.

Here is a shot from yesterday's maternity shoot with a model Cecilia Hernandez who I've worked with several times. A bit darker than I'd like but still cool.

Next time with this camera I'm going to use it outside. I'll see how it it works.

Monday, August 1, 2016

While cleaning out my older son's kitchen "junk drawer" a few years ago (he's been out on his own for about 7 years) I found this one time use Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash. This is one of those disposable, 1-time use cameras. Well, I put it in my camera equipment closet and forgot about it.

The other day I was looking for a piece of kit I needed for a fashion shoot and I found it again. I flipped it over and it had been fully used. It had Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 800 film that could be developed with C-41 chemistry. I had no clue what was on it nor did he, so I figured, WTH, might as well try to develop it.

Understand, I have zero clue how to properly take one of these apart, so I basically put it in my black bag with a can opener and big pair of scissors. Well, after fumbling around in the dark for about 10 minutes I hacked it open and out popped a roll of film into my hand. I put it on the developing reel and developed it tonight.

After a quickie inspection it looks like all the images are underexposed. This is surprising since it's 800 ASA film. My guess he shot it in a room or during a party and didn't use the optional flash. I can make out about 10 of 27 images, so once the film dries I'll put it on the light table and see if there are any photos worth scanning.

It would be super cool to get a shot that my son took about 7-10 years ago. I'll check back, of course as long as they are not NSFW type photos....yikes, hadn't thought about that.

The aftermath. No wonder it's one time use. I might try to salvage the lens & flash to see if I can do any hacks with them.